Argentina turmoil spreads to grain exports

Published on Tuesday 13 May 2008 20:37

A STRIKE in Argentina aims to halt grain exports, as farmers battle with government- imposed ceilings on prices paid to producers.

Malcolm Rodman, a leading cattle consultant in Argentina who is well known in Scotland, told The Scotsman:

"We are back on strike for eight days and will not let trucks with grain for export through. The idea is to hit (the government] where it hurts most – no exports of grain, no income in dollars and no export tax."

Exports of beef were banned for several months last year in response to consumer complaints over high prices. That in turn affected the price of cattle.

Rodman said: "Exports are supposedly authorised again, but in practice are at a standstill because you need an export permit for each batch and they are not processing the paperwork. The reality is that there are no exports of beef."

In addition there have been lay-offs in farm machinery factories and abattoirs.

"We have some of the most efficient farmers in the world completely blocked by government regulations," Rodman said.